Stretcher



STRETCHER iginal Filed July 24 arm n eq Patented Aug. 6, 1.929.

PATENT OFFICE MARTHA VIOLA BAUER, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

STRETCHER.

Original application filed July 24, 1920, Serial No. 398,627. Divided and this application filed January 30, 1925. Serial N0. 5,879.

This inventicm relates to-a stretcher dc signed to be used in connection with a bath tub. The primary object of the inventlon to provide practival means for placing a bather in a bath tub without any exertion on the part of the bat-her.

A; further object is to construct a stretcher ccniiprising a frame which carries a detachable supporting surface of mesh material said frame being adapted to be suspended from the rim, of a bath tub.

In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specilicatitm,

Figure 1 is a side view of the stretcher embodying the invention.

Figure 2 is a detailed fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the stretcher shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the stretcher placed in a bath tub, and

Figure at is a detail fragmentary view showing one of the fasteners which secure the edge of the detachable supporting surface to the inner portion thereof when. the supporting surface is placed over the frame of the stretcher.

This stretcher is of rectangular form and at each of its corners it is provided with an arched member which is designed to engage the rim of a bath tub, as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings. A covering 11, of rubber or similar material, is provided on each arched member in order that the ename]. of the tub may be protected when the arched members engage the rim of the tub.

Each of the arched members 10 comprises an inner portion 12 and an outer portion 13, the inner portions carryii'ig a rectangular frame comprising end rails ll and side rails 15. A supporting surface 16, comprising a rectimgular sheet of any suitable large mesh material, is detachably secured to the end rails lll: and side rails by having its edges engaged over said rails and secured on the under surface of the mesh by means of fastoners 17 as shown in Figure 1-, which fastenors arc of a sufficient size to alford the desired strength. It will be understood, however, that any other suitable means for attaching the supporting surface 16 to the rectangular frame may be employed if found desirable. The supporting surface 16 insures the greatest degree of comfort obtainable since the bather is suppm'ted entirely upon the mesh which eliminates contact with the enamel of the tub. As shown in Figure 3, the supporting surface 16 is suspended within the tub by means of the inner portions 12 of the arched members 10.

In order that the rectangular frame and mesh of the stretcher may be supported above the floor as well as suspended from the rim of the bath tub, the outer portions 1.?) of the arched members 10 are of greater length thairthe inner portions 12 extending some what below the plane of the frame and mesh and thus supporting them a suitable distance above the floor. Each outer portion 13 terminates in an outwardly turned extension member 18. Bars 19 join and brace the extension members 18 at either end of the stretcl'ier. In order that the rectangular frame and supporting surface 16 may be conveniently placed within the tub and removed therefrom, a handle 20, which also serves as a brace, is provided on each of the outer portions 13, and as it is desirable that this stretcher may be employed as a vehicle for transferring the bather to and from the tub in as convenient a manner as possible, each extension member 18 is provided with casters 21.

It. will be observed, by reference to Figure 3 of the drawings, that when the stretcher placed with the arched members 10 on gagii'lg the rim of the tub, the inner portions 1.2 which carry the rectangular frame and detachable supporting surface 16 are housed within the tub while the outer portions 13 which carry the extensions 18, bars 19 handles 20, and casters 21, remain outside of the tub, so that the entire structure is practical, sanitary and convenient.

This application is a division of my copending application for Letters Patent on a bathing apparatus, filed July 24, 1920, Serial No. 398,627, and the stretcher herein disclosed is especially adapted for use in connection with said bathing apparatus.

lVhile I have thus disclosed the nature of my invention, it will be understood that my invention is not limited to the specific structure shown and that the inventive idea is susceptible of certain modifications within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of my invention.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a stretcher, a frame, and supporting members at spaced points on the frame said members each comprising a portion extending upwardly from the frame adapted to fit the rim of a bath tub to support the frame within the tub, and a portion extending downwardly below the plane of the frame to support the frame above the floor.

2. In a stretcher, a frame, and members at V spaced points on the frame extending upwardly from the frame adapted to engage frame, engaging the edge of the tub and continuing downwardly to a plane below the plane of the frame supporting the frame above the floor when removed from the tub.

4. In a stretcher, a frame, supporting members at spaced points on the frame, said members each comprising a portion adapted to engage the edge of a bath tub to support the frame within the tub, said portions extending upwardly from the frame, engaging the edge of the tub and continuing downwardly to a plane below the plane of the frame supporting the frame above the floor when removed from the tub, means whereby the stretcher may be lifted, and means whereby it may be moved over a smooth surface.

5. In a stretcher for supporting a person in a bath tub, a frame, a detachable supporting surface carried by said frame, and carrying members for said frame including portions extending upwardly from the plane of said frame adapted to fit the rim of a bath tub and suspend the frame within the tub and extending downwardly below the plane of said frame to support the frame above the floor.

6. In a stretcher for supporting a person in a bath tub, a frame, a detachable supporting surface carried by said frame, and supporting means for said frame including members extending upwardly from the plane of said frame adapted to fit the rim of a bath tub and suspend the frame within the tub, and members extending downwardly below the plane of said frame to support the frame above the floor.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

MARTHA VIOLA BAUER. 

